a stinger is used to heat up water in jail usualy made out of a tv cord,microwave,power tool cord cut off or anything that has two wires. they are especially good during lock down when you cant use the microwave.

i was so happy i made a stinger because we are on lock down, now i can make a chi chi and some hot chocolate without the microwave

Since hot water can be used as a weapon it is not allowed in many prison settings. Some prisons may have hot water in the day-room but it is not allowed in the cells.

Inmates will connect two wires from any source, TV plugs headphones or even handmade wire from aluminum foil to any 2 separated metal objects, usually metal-plates. By connecting the two wires to the outlet and dropping the stinger in the water the AC current will pass through the water heating it up. It is possible to boil water and with some practice inmates can even make candy with ingredients smuggled out of the culinary.

Sometimes a poorly made stinger will trip the circuit breaker for an entire tier or block causing discontent for both inmates as well as correctional officers.

Stingers are considered contraband in the prison system.

I was gonna make the Top Ramon Noodles I got from commissary but the cop confiscated my stinger.